Ajax Amsterdam is reportedly escalating its efforts to acquire Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Ko Itakura, with negotiations poised to accelerate significantly following a substantial player departure.
The Dutch club recently finalized a major agreement with English powerhouse Chelsea for the transfer of promising 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato. This lucrative deal is reported to be worth just over €40 million, providing Ajax with considerable funds to bolster their squad.
According to insights from Kicker, a reputable German football magazine, Ajax plans to strategically reinvest a portion of the Hato transfer fee into securing Itakura’s services. This move signals their intent to strengthen the defensive line, making Ko Itakura a primary target for the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Reports emerging from the Netherlands suggest that Ajax has already established a broad agreement on personal terms with Ko Itakura. However, discussions regarding the transfer fee with Borussia Mönchengladbach are still ongoing, with the Bundesliga club anticipated to seek approximately €10 million for the Japanese international. Ajax, conversely, aims to negotiate the price down into single-digit millions.
Borussia Mönchengladbach finds itself under increasing pressure to finalize a deal, as Ko Itakura’s current contract is set to expire next summer, with no indication of an extension. This contractual situation puts the German club in a difficult position, necessitating a sale if they wish to avoid losing a valuable asset on a free transfer.
Roland Virkus, Gladbach’s sporting director, acknowledged the club’s readiness to consider offers, stating, “If something interesting comes in, we have to look at it – that’s part of our path.” Ko Itakura, a seasoned international with 37 caps and two goals for Japan, is reportedly keen on the prospect of playing Champions League football, an opportunity that Ajax can readily provide.
For Borussia Mönchengladbach, a potential football transfer of Ko Itakura would also pave the way for summer signing Kevin Diks to seamlessly integrate into the central defense. Diks, who joined the club on a free transfer from FC Copenhagen, is a viable option to fill the void left by Itakura’s departure, ensuring squad depth and tactical flexibility.
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